A Convict's Hope - song lyrics 
American Old-time song lyrics from www.traditionalmusic.co.uk 
A CONVICT'S HOPE. 
Thinking of home and of freedom, Restless and sleepless to-night; The past seems to me now but dreamland Since I've been sentenced for life. Yes, I'm a forger, I signed I hose names, To all of those crimes I confessed, But I love my wife, my children and home, Although in this garb I am dressed. 
Chorus. When will this heart rest -oh! when will it be-Longing for freedom, longing for thee-Wife, home and children did they separate; Give me my freedom, or my heart will break. 
I dream't. I saw wife sad and lonely, Approaching the stern gov'nor's door, Pleading for one she loves dearly, A pardon for him she implores. ) She said, "He's a soldier, you fought side by side, Were wounded upon the same field; You'll know him well when his name I do tell, For clemency now do I kneel." -Chorus. 
I His wife brings him news of glad tidings'Tis true, not a dream as of yore-A pardon awaits him this morning I For brave acts he did in the war. Oh! what emotion, expressions of joy, Were heard when his pardon was read: his freedom had come, but-Thy will be done-To his Maker his poor soul had fled. 
Chorus. Now does the heart rest, his spirit has fled: At his wife's feet, there, the convict lies dead. He gazed for the last time on those he did love; We trust in God's mercy, they'll all meet above.